problem stretching

[gargoyle27]

i have a rather elaborate design that i want to stretch to a specific size, but i need it to be much longer than it is wide (simply scaling it isn't good enough) i tried stretching but i don't know how to stretch it evenly over its entire length

 

a co worker was able to do it quickly in another (much cheaper) dwg editing program but i want to know how to do it in autocad

 

here is the file, it needs to be stretched to 20.25 x 95

stretch problem.dwg

[ReMark]

Important when stretching:

 

1) Toggle orthomode "on" if applicable.

2) use direct distance entry (at the command line).

 

NOw just go and do it. I have complete faith in you. Think positive.

[gargoyle27]

what does ortho have to do with anything? and i am clicking at the bottom most part of the design, then clicking at the bottom of the 20.25x95 box, is that not the most accurate way? all doing it this way does is move the entire design to the bottom

[ReMark]

I am not in a position to actually view your drawing at the moment. Let's not get snippy OK?

 

Ortho keeps things like straight lines from getting skewed.

 

I believe your problem is that you do not know how to use the Stretch command. Try looking in your Help file for instructions.

[gargoyle27]

i didn't mean to sound snippy, but your post was no help at all, i'm fairly sure i do know how to use the command, but i am more used to stretching pipes or beams, not this complicated of a shape, so maybe i am trying to do it wrong, i have looked in the help file and it just tells me to do what i am already doing

 

just to give you an idea, the item includes 1209 lines, arcs etc.

[JD Mather]

what does ortho have to do with anything?

 

That is what I wondered - so I took a look. (I haven't used ortho in ten years or so - ever since they added polar tracking.)

In any case stretching isn't the answer, but scaling is (with a twist).

First you will need to calculate the scale factor in the x and y direction to get the 20.25 x 95 that you desire. (HS algebra - I can tell you the scale factors if you can't figure it out.) Then make a block of your existing geometry (select to Delete current geometry.) Insert block and you will see option to use non-uniform scaling in x and y direction. (You are aware that scale, stretch, whatever is going to distort this design?)

[gargoyle27]

ok, that makes sense, a little silly for such a seemingly simple task, as always JD you answered my question, thanks

 

and yeah, i use polar as well so i don't bother with ortho anymore

[JD Mather]

Here is my solution.

[gargoyle27]

yup, that's pretty much what i got, i don't think i took my Y scale to enough decimals so its 70 thou tall, but that's not a big deal for what we need it for and we can grind it down anyway if need be